Samuel Lonnie Williams

Samuel “Sam” Lonnie Williams, Jr., 80, of Huntersville, North Carolina, passed away gracefully Sunday, March 5, 2023. He was born in Asheville, North Carolina, to Samuel Lonnie (Sr.) and Lula Dorcas (Fisher) Williams on July 22, 1942. Sam proudly served his country in the United States Army, including tours in Thailand and Vietnam during the 1960s. While in service, he enrolled in courses through the New York Institute of Photography igniting a lifelong passion and hobby. Sam’s journey can be vividly traced by the imagery he captured while standing behind a camera lens. A financial professional turned craftsman, Sam enjoyed working with his hands designing and building cabinetry, furniture and other unique items in his woodshop. He loved adventuring, hiking and being one with nature. Sam spent more than a decade working with foundations and programs designed to study and protect black bear populations, and many more years rescuing small animals and keeping bees. As a beloved partner, father and grandfather, Sam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was surrounded by love and laughter and created beautiful memories for all. He cherished weekend retreats at the farm with Maggi; visiting and celebrating his children; and instilling the wonder of magic and imagination into the hearts and minds of his grandkids. Sam is survived by his loving fiancé, Margaret Gallaugher; his son Jason (Ali) Williams of Boca Raton, Florida; his daughters Brandi (Casey) Evans, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Emily (Derek) Musgrave, of Charlotte, North Carolina; his adoring grandchildren: Mya and Dylan Musgrave; and Harper and Mila Williams; his sister Laura (John) Taylor; and many more loving family and friends. In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his brother, Cary Walter Allen, Sr., and his sisters, Patricia Brewer (Allen) Grant and Joyce Anne Williams. Services are private. Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. Online condolences may be made at www.hankinsandwhittington.com.